About

C’est moi!

In the beginning

Music and singing has always been a part of my life, but nursing is where my working life began. I trained as a registered nurse in Perth WA going on to work on wards, then gaining experience in coronary care, pathology, prisons, IVF, private home care and occupational health. The last five years were spent as a unit nurse in film & television before getting back to the music full time.

The ‘Lovies’

Mr Bean -Goodnight Mr Bean S1 Ep 13

During those five years I met and worked with some of the greatest names in film & television, including: Dame Helen Mirren, Nigel Hawthorn, Sir Nicholas Hytner (Director), Alan Bennett (writer), Bob Hoskins, Ewan McGregor, Robin Williams, Christian Bale, Patricia Arquette, Brian De Palmer (Director), Bill Nighy, Simon Pegg, Tom Cruise, Ian Holme, Christopher Hampton (Director), John Cleese and the rubbery faced Rowan Atkinson. You may remember the episode where Mr Bean gets his hand stuck in a teapot and goes to Casualty. He jumps the queue by stealing a ticket from a lady plastered from head to toe; well that was my handy work – the bandages and plastering. Click HERE if you want to watch that segment.

You will see me in the credits for films such as ‘The Madness of King George‘ and ‘Shaun of the Dead.’ I was dreaming about zombies for weeks. I’ve also worked on a variety of adverts and music promos for acts including UB40, Lisa Scott-Lee and Placebo.

My years of nursing were a little extraordinary to say the least, but they proved to be incredibly important. They funded my musical and voice studies. The techniques and experience I developed during this time helped me bring out the best in my students today. In addition, my time working with the talented household names that filled those last years, gave me an insight into the mindset and hard work ethic required for artistic success.

The day I woke in a sweat! (And no it wasn’t menopause)

My leap from nursing to singing was more of a push really. I woke up one morning coupled with a cold sweat and a choking feeling. In the preceding dream or nightmare, I died and was journeying to the next world. Throughout my ‘passing’ I was plagued with regret; regret that I hadn’t followed my passion for music and singing – regret that my life had concluded without it reaching its full potential.

I decided there and then that I would focus all my energy into following my dreams and reaching my potential. A focus I continue today.

The educational and performing bit

In the past I’ve studied with some of the best jazz singers, musicians and educators in the jazz world including Sheila Jordan, Mark Murphy, Madeline Eastman, Kurt Elling, Billy Taylor, Mark Levine, Anita Wardell, Norma Winstone and Cleo Lane

I’ve performed professionally in Australia, UK and USA. My performance experience includes jazz, gospel and classical choirs; as a chorus member, featured soloist and feature singer for big bands. I’ve run my own quartets, trios and duos, as well working a bit in professional musical theatre and light classical shows (G&S).

Finding my voice and my passion for teaching

Although I was enjoying my time as a performer, I felt unsatisfied with my vocal control. So I began to search for a technique, which was relevant to my voice. Within the search and finding of that technique; and the training that followed, I noticed a switch in my mindset. My passion to perform was morphing into a passion to help performers. I went from thinking, “I can sing that better than her” to “I can help her sing that better.” With my own vocal control established, I continued studying and honing my techniques to help others gain the same vocal freedom.

Moving to London in 2002 it was clear that there was an open market for a contemporary vocal technique that could give singers a strong, blended sound, using prescribed exercises specific to the individual’s vocal needs. So I set up a studio as a singing teacher in NW London.

Where I find myself being the head of a department

In 2006 I was invited to do a series of guest lectures at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Surrey. This lead to a regular position as a singing tutor at the school and eventually in April of 2008, being asked to take on the position of Head of Vocal Department. This role taught me a huge amount and allowed me to develop a contemporary vocal curriculum that incorporated solid vocal techniques combined with musicianship, style and performance skills across part time, BTEC, CertHE and Degree levels courses. It was here I began designing and teaching The Performer’s Edgecourse.

Some endings and new beginnings

In 2011 I decided I wanted to refocus on my business so I left ACM and began developing a broader spectrum of singing instruction, incorporating performance psychology, artistic development and vocal science. This led me a MSc at UCL in Performing Arts Medicine (PAM) neatly combining my medical training with the performing arts. Think sports medicine for performers!

Between working with singers in my studios and teaching singing teacher trainingcourses I also publish a digital magazine for singers called iSing. Guitarists, bass players, drummers and sound engineers all have their own magazines, why shouldn’t singers?! I am very proud of this publication, it’s an AMAZING resource for singers, full of useful and inspiring articles, videos and links. Go find out how to download it HERE (get the next 3 issues free!)

Memberships:

Vocology In Practice (ViP), an accredited global network of voice teachers. Vocology in Practice members are part of a global network of vocal coaches and singing teachers, music industry professionals, medical/health professionals and Vocologists. We hold ourselves to the highest of standards, continuously educating ourselves and researching the latest vocal methodologies, pedagogies and different genres, alongside working on our own voices, to benefit you….The Artist! We focus our teaching around the concept of Student Centered Learning and our 7 Core Foundations that we believe help a singer achieve the highest levels of performance.

British Voice Associationis a group of multi-disciplinary professionals who work to promote the field of voice in its broadest sense. BVA members believe in the encouragement of a healthy voice, vocal skills and communication in such areas as the performing arts, business and industry, medicine and education.

The Performing Arts Medicine AssociationPAMA is an organization comprised of dedicated medical professionals, artists educators, and administrators with the common goal of improving the health care of the performing artist. The Performing Arts Medicine Association was founded in 1989. Members join from around the world.

…and I do have a personal life you know!

Dexter the Groovemeister. You’ll meet him if you come to see me

I live in the Surrey country side, own a couple pairs of wellies and a Barbour; I enjoy making cards by hand, walking trips, travel, the ocean (yeh I know, ironic); am a proud owner of a Border Terrier called Dexter The Groovemeister, New York is my soul city and I love colour PURPLE!

Hope to hear your story at some point! Let me know if you have any questions.

Warmest regards,

Line

Here you can listen to me

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What they say...

"I really do feel like everything I could think of – and much more – has been covered, leaving me feeling equipped to get out there and get teaching."

Zeb Achonu (Getting Started As A Singing Teacher)

"With Line’s help and my greater understanding of what it takes to be successful I feel I’ve now got the tools and confidence to put a plan into action that will ultimately lead me to the success on every level that I have always dreamed of."

Bonnie Freechyld singer/songwriter

" I now feel that I have a solid foundation in which to build upon, and I don’t feel daunted to delve in and take my teaching to a new level."

Mimi Valentine (Getting Started As A Singing Teacher)

"After being diagnosed with strained vocal cords I thought I might never sing again. However, Line’s fantastic teaching not only helped to restore my voice to full working condition but also improved my breathing and vocal techniques."

Charles Beckerson Headmaster/singer/songwriter

"All I have to say is Wow! What started as a chance meeting with Line and a leap of faith from me has transformed into a journey whereby Line is helping me discover just what is vocally possible. "